The Sunday Mail
Last month Legendary Music and the Chill Spot Records combined forces in producing the “Mad Level Riddim”, which made a serious impact on the music industry.
Over 70 Zim dancehall artistes rode the riddim on the first week of its release.
The riddim has received thumbs up as most of the singles have gone on to dominate local radio music charts.
But while the “Mad Level” riddim is still red-hot, two more riddims, “Silent Killer” and “Unruly Chrome” have since been added to the fire by Chill Spot and Legendary Music respectively.
The riddims released just over a week ago have already started receiving overwhelming support from dancehall fans.
Also debate on which is the best between the two has taken centre stage.
Songs that feature on the “Unruly Chrome” Riddim include “Todanana” by Tawanda “Mumanyi” by Seh Calaz “Varamba Marasta” by Tafadzwa “Ras Caleb” Kadzimwe; “I am the Queen” by Tendazvaitwa “Ninja Lipsy” Chitimbe; “Yangu” by Shalvin “Empress Shelly” Chagwada, “My Life” by Alban “Terminator” Nyatsambo and “Don’t Go There” by Ghetto Junior.
Slique Artie, Empress Shelly, Ashley, Madslasher, Quonfuzed, Magical, Jocker di Genius, Tytania, G Brandon, Platinum Prince, J Doogy, Juss Russ, Clux family, Falcon and Hilcardin are other artistes that rode the riddim.
Producers of “Unruly Chrome” which carries a unique Afro sound said the riddim has given upcoming Zim dancehall artistes a platform to make names and compete with already established brands.
“On this riddim, we have tried to produce mature songs with a target for the older listeners at the same time keeping the balance for our regular audiences,” said Legendary music producer, Kudzai Trevor Gaadzikwa aka Mad P.
“We have incorporated an Afro-pop sound on this riddim mainly because we want it to be appreciated regionally.
“It is not a secret that Afro-pop sound is greatly appreciated in our region and also at international level,” he adds.
According to Mad P, the “Unruly Chrome” has attracted interest from across borders.
The riddim is currently being played on Zambian radio stations.
“Zambian artistes want to feature on this riddim but I can only be able to divulge their names after we conclude discussions that are currently ongoing.
“But I can confirm so far that Phoenix and Komboni radio stations in Zambia are already playing the riddim,” he said.
On the other hand, the Chill Spot produced riddim; “Silent Killer” is flavoured with a Jamaican dancehall tone that blends well with the common Zim dancehall sound.
Featured on the beat is Jamaican artiste Eton “Kalado” Gordon on Ras Caleb’s song called “Me or Not”.
Arnold “Fantan” Kamudyariwa, a producer from Chill Spot said his camp named the riddim after the sponsor of the project, Morris “Silent Killer” Musekiwa.
Musekiwa is a Zimbabwean businessman based in South Africa and has interests in the transport sector.
“Elder Musekiwa sponsored the “Silent Killer” project when he came to Zimbabwe two months ago.
“He paid all the studio time for 50 artistes who have recorded on the riddim and he is also sponsoring the marketing and video making of the songs,” said Fantan
Silent Killer told this publication that he chose to sponsor Chill Spot Records due to the quality of their products.
“Chill Spot Records has a unique way of producing music.
“Their sound exudes creativity and originality hence I felt their talent needed support. I have been following their work for some time and I’m impressed,” he said.
Musekiwa urged the nation to continue supporting local talents.
Prominent Zim dancehall artistes who feature on the riddim include Quonfuzed, Mic Inity, Sniper, Ricky Fire, Freeman, Killer T and Terminator.
While female artistes are represented by Ninja Lipsy, Lady Bee, Empress Shelly and upcoming 17-year-old Charlene “Sissy” Nenzou.
